This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Incumbent performs as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, performing difficult radiographic examinations. Receives patients, explains methods of procedures positions patients, selects and sets technical factors, sets up and adjusts accsessory equipment and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedures. Performs radiographic procedures using the proper exposure techniques, including manual and photo timed exposures. These exams are performed using the of exposure tables, intensifying screens, buckies, collimators, filters, grids, and other technical aids to produce radiographs of diagnostic quality with the minimum of retakes. Performs procedures using digital diagnostic units that provide fully integrated digital Bucky systems for routine skeletal diagnostics. These systems institute another step in a Digital environment. Digital technology unites outlines the high ergonomics of Bucky technology and state-of-the-art detectors in imaging processing. Reviews requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Presents discrepant or deficient indications to the Supervisory Technologist or radiologist as appropriate. Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams, including standard radiographs, gastrointestinal exams, genitourinary exams, arthrograms, myelograms, venograms and plain tomography. Utilizes textbooks, journals, colleagues, radiologists and other references to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques Performs quality control of the images, assessing for proper exposure and positioning. Supports radiologists and clinicians in the performance of fluoroscopic exams such as GI studies, swallowing evaluation, orthopedic and urologic procedures. Anticipates the imaging, and equipment needs before and during the procedure, follows the progress of the procedure and facilitates an efficient flow. Identifies and alerts the radiologist of significant abnormalities requiring prompt or essential attention such as pneumoperitoneum, fracture, pneumothorax, bowel obstruction, etc. Identifies trauma patients and uses appropriate modifications in imaging techniques and employs proper precautions to assure patient safety and comfort. Prepares and administers barium or other contrast material by mouth or by enema. Selects appropriate iodinated contrast media for various exams such as IVP, or arthrogram. With training establishes IV access and administers IV contrast. (Competencies are performed yearly for vena puncture). Observes patients for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. Works independently, without a supervisor, when working tours in the evenings, nights, weekends or holidays. Coordinates workflow, interacts with supervisory and regular staff from other departments. Receives and manages administrative tasks such as complaints, scheduling or coverage of the shift for unexpected leave. Ensures compliance with infection control standards and practices Supports CPT coding compliance: utilizes appropriate CPT codes for the exams performed, performs timely and accurate case editing. Assists in Scheduling, rescheduling or overbooking patients as needed. Monitors performance of Radiologic Technologist students from affiliated training programs. Participates in education and oversight of Students. Maintains adequate inventory of supplies, ensuring that outdated, damaged or otherwise unusable items are discarded. Pursues continuing education activities to stay current in techniques and maintain competency. Disseminates information of general interest. Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by the Medical Center and Radiology Service Infection Control policies. Applies safety procedures for self, patients and others as mandated by Radiology Service Safety policies for all imaging modalities. Properly operates all electrical and mechanical equipment, is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the assigned equipment. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Work Schedule: M-F 8am-430pm, On call duties may be required. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Telework: Not Telework Eligible. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). *NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. DRTs at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under general supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties are performed under closer supervision. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. DRTs must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technologists in performing more complicated examinations. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. References: VA Handbook 5005 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address John J Pershing VA Medical Center 1500 North Westwood Boulevard Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 US
• Name: David Baldridge
• Phone: (573) 712-7485
• Email: [email protected]